Christmas Garland

Last Minute Christmas Garland and I've just begun!
(errrr.....today is 12/23/09)

I started with 2 rows of white zig-zag, then added green holly leaves with red berries, making up the pattern as I go. Attaching the leaves and berries makes the back side 'not so pretty', so I'm thinking of other options. In any case, this is an extremely satisfying project right now.

This will either go on the tree or drape on the fireplace mantle. I've also crocheted a few more Christmas angels with my left over white yarn and I'm thinking why didn't I start this sooner?!

Scarves for Christmas presents

Finished just in time!

Christmas Angel

10 minutes + left over white yarn = Christmas Angel

Crochet Cable Scarf

One of my many WIPs:
I’m using my cable scarf crochet pattern for this double sided cable scarf. The pattern calls for a yarn weight 4 , worsted weight, and a G-6 (4mm) hook, but I'm using a bulky yarn in the yarn weight 5 category with a N-15 (10mm) hook, it works up super quick with that combo.

Every year, since my boys were in pre-school I’ve made scarves for their teachers for Christmas gifts. Just my little way of saying thank you. Scarves are such a great gift, no size issues and everyone can always use an extra scarf or two.

This particular project has been my yarn therapy for the last week, trying to knot away the worries of the world. Thanks for stopping by, to my knit and crochet friends, may your yarn never tangle and your tension remain even. -Pam

Little Bag with Wooly Stripes

Wooly Stripes yarn purchased at Zandy's in Burnsville.

Wooly Stripes yarn info. from Yarndex.com

Simple little bag with a fun shape.

The colors are really beautiful.

.....and then I felted it, the shape turned out kinda wonky,
I think I need to block it.

All in all, I'm happy with the way it turned out,
it was a quick and satisfying project and you need those once in awhile!

Crochet Summer Tops

Hi crochet friends,

It has been such a long time since I've blogged I almost forgot how. I have been working full time, with very little time for crochet, but I manged to get a few summer tops finished. The first top, cream colored button up, was a WIP forever! Not like the old days when I was an "at home Mom" and I could do a garment in 5 days. I miss being home, but I like my job and the money (I know that sounds bad, but it helps so much to have that income.)

Sorry I don't many details on the summer tops below, the only one with a pattern is "Cher" and the other two I didn't have time to fully test, most likely will not publish, my designing days are far and few between now.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out Knotty Generation.
Happy crocheting! -Pam

Top Down Summer Cardi - debating if I should add sleeves, the cap sleeve reminds me of Judy Jetson, I'm convinced that sleeves will make this even better. I used a DK weight yarn and both J/10-6mm and H/8- 5mm crochet hooks.

Square Neck Tank - I used Vanna's Choice, Color#135 Rust. Crochet hook I/9-5.50 mm. Love rust with brown, this is totally finished, nothing to add or change, I love it just the way it is.


"Cher" - my design for Vickie Howell's book Pop Goes Crochet. I used Berroco Suede yarn in Color #3729 Zoro. Crochet hook J/10 - 6mm. The essential black vest.

Pop Goes Crochet - My design "Cher"

I'm so excited...yes I'm pointing to my design in the photo above.

I could not wait for my 'comp' copy of the book, the anticipation was killing me! I just went to my local Barnes & Nobles and they had 1 copy left...I snatched it up and paged through that book until finally hitting page 119 and was THRILLED beyond words...Vickie ended up calling my vest design "Cher", it is in the * Rockers * section. How cool is that? The description was perfect; biker tough and sexy.

I'm a long time fan of Cher, both her style and music, did you know she rides a Harley? (or use to) I use to watch the Sonny & Cher show, loved those Bob Mackie gowns, loved the fact that Cher had a sense of humor, and uber long hair; yes she's been a complete and undeniable inspiration to me for years. Though I don't dress as flamboyant as Cher, I do love her tough-but-beautiful style.

YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK! It is has a bit on pop culture, some vintage photos of celebs wearing crochet, my two favs are Bob Marley and Janis Joplin. A few of my designer friends have design too, like Robyn Chachula, Mary Jane Hall, and Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude) There are a bunch of other crochet designers like Cecily Keim, M.K. Carroll, Kelly Deal, and the Stitch Diva, all present fabulously creative work, and then there is the crafty grrrl, Vickie Howell who made it all happen.

WELL WORTH THE WAIT!

Pop Goes Crochet by Vickie Howell

Order the book at Amazon. Check Out Vickie's Blog - she has previews, e-cards, and her usual sassy wit and charm.

I'm so excited about this book, not only do I love the funky designs from Vickie Howell... but I have a crochet design in this book! I'm also really excited that some of my crochet designer friends are also in this book.

I designed a low cut, fitted waist, snug vest, it fits tight like a corset. I used black yarn, and if you wear this vest alone, it takes on the "biker chick" vibe and then it can take on a Renaissance feel if you pair it with a billowy white blouse. It seems pretty versatile, which I totally love because some days I feel like a biker chick and some days I feel like a librarian. Go figure.

I had to keep the secret for so long, the wait is almost over, once I get my copy of the book I'll post more! A big thanks to Vickie Howell for taking a chance at an unknown crochet designer from Minnesota!

Knit Out and Crochet 2009 - Day 1 Random Shots

Brett Bara from Crochet Today magazine and the Knit and Crochet Today TV show.

Samples on display at the Knit Out 2009.

My Mom Audrey and Steven, owner of the Yarn Garage.

Knitting with beads = beautiful!

Cis from 3 Kittens Needle Arts, at their booth at the Knit Out.

My mom Audrey and I at the Knit Out and Crochet 2009 event.

Mom is wearing a knit sweater she made for herself with wool from a Canadian yarn shop. Mom and I (along with Aunt Ruth) drove up to Canada back in 1979 to get the wool and the pattern, and the sweater is still in style in my opinion! I'm wearing my Knotty Cable Cardi crocheted in Lion Brand Homespun. We had a great day together, the event was great!

Knit Out and Crochet 2009 - Day 1 Fashion Show

I just got back from the Knit Out and Crochet Event 2009 where my Mom and I spent the day at the mall, went to every booth, saw a bunch of friends, made a bunch of new friends, and had an all around excellent time. Below are......

Fashion Show highlights from the Knit Out 2009 at
the Mall of America in Minnesota.